When was military first sent to Vietnam?

Answer 1

Contrary to popular belief, in 1959. Eisenhower sent some military to help train and give arms to the South Vietnamese. Unfortunately it was the start of bigger problems. In 1950, during the Truman Administration, the U.S. Military Assistance and Advisory Group arrived to screen French requests for aid, advise on strategy, and train Vietnamese soldiers. By 1954, the U.S. had supplied 300,000 small arms and spent one billion dollars in support of the French military effort. The Eisenhower administration was paying 80% of the cost of the war but sent no combat troops. In 1954, when the French were desperately trying to evacuate or reinforce the fortress at Dien Bien Phu, they requested air support from the US. Instead, Eisenhower loaned them ten B-26 light bombers and authorized sending 200 American MECHANICS to Vietnam to maintain the equipment. He insisted that American troops would go to Vietnam only if there were an equal number from Britain and Australia, the French would promise unconditional independence to the people of Indochina, and Congress would declare war. None of these conditions were met. During the remaining years of his presidency, when pressured to send combat troops to South Vietnam, Eisenhower continued to follow the principles he set for intervention in the battle of Dien Bien Phu.

Answer 2

US troops began arriving in 1955 and commenced operations in April 1956 when the last of the French departed. US conventional troops (non-guerrilla warfare forces) began arriving in force in 1965.

Answer 3

In the early 1950's

this is wrong the first troops to step foot in Vietnam as fighters was in 1954.

1954 is the early 1950's so actually both are right :)

Answer 4

Full regiments arrived in Mar '65. USMC aircrewmen, special ops, etc., were already in country.

Answer 5

US special troops in 1955; US conventional troops in 1965.

Answer 6

1965, on 8 March.